What classification system is used for utility patents and applications?
Utility patents, applications, and patent application publications are classified under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system. As stated in MPEP 903:
“Utility patents, applications, and patent application publications receive a classification designation under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) system.”
The CPC system is a joint classification system developed by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to harmonize patent classification internationally.
To learn more: